Guide Dogs of America: Machinists union’s labor of love

For many years, the International Association of Machinists Districts 751 and 160 in Washington state have held fundraisers and collected donations for an organization called the Guide Dogs of America.

Union members have participated in Fun Runs (and Dog Jogs), organized bowling and golf tournaments, conducted garage sales and raffles, and ridden in District 751’s famous annual Puppy Putt Motorcycle Ride. Throughout the month of May, District 751 stewards have been asking rank-and-file members and others to make tax-deductible contributions to benefit this non-profit organization. (Visit the websites of Districts 160 and 751 for details on upcoming fundraisers.)

What you may not know is that the Guide Dogs of America was founded more than 60 years ago by the International Association of Machinists after a member was denied acceptance by existing guide dog schools due to his advanced age — he was only 57. Since then, GDA has graduated more than 3,000 teams thanks to the camaraderie, compassion, and generosity of the IAM and its members.

Check out this new video, produced by the AFL-CIO, that explains the difference this incredible organization makes in people’s lives.

It costs $42,000 or more — which includes the cost of training the dog and providing instruction for the guide dog user — in order to provide a guide dog for a visually impaired person. But you can’t put a price on the difference it makes in people’s lives.

Short URL: http://www.thestand.org/?p=14011

Posted by David Groves
on May 31 2012. Filed under LOCAL.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.